Burkina Faso lodges appeal for Jonathan Pitroipa

Officials from the Burkinabe football federation vow they will fight to see the Rennes midfielder take part in the 2013 AFCON final despite his expulsion from the semifinals.

By Kingsley Kobo

Feb 7, 2013 10:31:00 AM

The Burkina Faso football federation says it has lodged an
appeal to the Confederation of African Football against the
expulsion of midfielder Jonathan Pitroipa during Wednesday’s
semifinal clash against Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Stallions’ director Gualbert Kabore told AFP their
playmaker was unjustly sent off by the referee Slim Jedidi and a
complaint was filed to the continent’s football governing body
after the match, which was won by Burkina Faso after a 3-2 triumph
in a penalty shootout.

The 26-year-old former Hamburger SV player was shown a second
yellow card for simulation by the Tunisian referee after he crashed
into the Ghanaian box in a situation many pundits argue should have
been a penalty for Burkina Faso.

“We lodged an appeal immediately after the match,” Kabore said.
“Our FA’s secretary general sent a fax to CAF within two hours
after the game according to the regulations. The referee’s decision
was outrageous. We are confident of a favorable outcome and
Pitroipa would be able to play the final. We will fight and do
everything within the rules and regulations to bring justice.”

Burkina Faso reached the Cup of Nations final for the first time
and will face 1994 winners Nigeria in Johannesburg on Sunday.